During the school year, I frequently spend afternoons picking up and depositing my children at various activities, lessons and sports practices. Many times, my life feels as though it's lived in forty five minute segments of waiting or driving. Long ago, I resigned myself to the fact that after 2:30 each weekday, my attention needs to be devoted 100% to my boys and their needs. Help with homework, preparation of a family meal, and just plain "hanging out" time need to take priority each afternoon.
I had a recent conversation with a mom who told me that her family is "sitting out" little league this year because of the havoc it wreaked on her family's schedule. I'm not sure that's the correct solution for every family, but I admired that mom's ability to assess her family's needs and take a proactive step towards reclaiming control of the afternoon and evening craziness. My rule of thumb has been to avoid scheduling any activities that I could not take 100% responsibility for – if too many driving and attendance conflicts are going to occur, we don't commit to that particular activity or sport. It's not a perfect solution either, but we do our best to enjoy life! I've also come to appreciate all of the "car time" for the opportunity it gives me to have chats with my growing boys.
